Instead of recruiting for foreigners, Pumaren said he is more focused on developing the players in the current pool. He was disappointed, though, with his wards’ showing in Friday’s loss to La Salle, 97-75, in a preaseason tournament.

“That’s not the UE Warriors. Not to take away from the win of La Salle, but we didn’t play well. We were not running what we are supposed to be out there. At halftime, what I was asking for them is play our game. That’s why I was disappointed with the loss,” said Pumaren.